Home Blog Page 517

“Buhari Is Broke”, Says Garba Shehu

July 2, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

“Some Governor’s didn’t trust Buhari but he tried his best”

Immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, is broke. This ridiculous and unbelievable revelation was made by his Media Aide, Garba Shehu.

Shehu was Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity for the eight years he was the President. He has continued to play that role even after Buhari’s exit from office.

Shehu who spoke in Abuja to Journalists when he briefed them on his plans to present his book titled According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience said Buhari left the Presidential Villa clean, and credibility unblemished because he never asked anybody for bribe, and nobody gave him any bribe. As unbelievable as it sounds and reads, Shehu insists his Principal is broke.

Shehu said: “Buhari is broke and does not have money. Nobody can say they gave him a bribe. Since Buhari left office, no journalist has had cause to call me for reaction. I now sleep very well.”

Shehu also laughed at the academic certificate controversy which dogged Buhari all through his eight years in office. He said it was politics at its worst.

Shehu: “The allegation over his certificate was purely political. Buhari was Military Secretary; his records were intact. Government College, Katsina was burnt, and some officers were punished for allowing politicians access to records. But the matter was long resolved.”

He also defended Buhari for not talking to the Media. All through his eight years in office, Buhari shielded himself from the Media. But Shehu defended: “Buhari’s media silence is his personality. He is not a showman and preferred his actions to speak for him. He is an avid reader and reads newspapers daily but avoided unnecessary media appearances.

Generally, Shehu is confident history will be fair to the former President. He said: “History will judge Buhari. People will eventually see that he did his best, particularly on security. Boko Haram was his biggest challenge. The farmer-herder crisis predates him. Some governors didn’t trust him, but he gave it his best.”

How Nigeria Army Killed Danbokklo, Notorious Terrorist

Akinwale Kasali

July 1, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

He was boss to Bello Turji’s boss and more dangerous than him

The Nigeria Army has recorded a breakthrough by getting rid of notorious terrorist, known as Yellow Danbokkolo, in Sokoto. This heart-warming killing was achieved during a weeklong encounter in the North West.

Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma eliminated the notorious terrorist, and thus brought respite to Sokoto State and its environs.

Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, Director, Defence Media Operations, confirmed the killing in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Kangye said the operation was conducted in conjunction with Hybrid Forces supported by air components and other security agencies, following credible intelligence on the movement of fleeing bandits and terrorists.

“During the encounter, a notorious terrorist kingpin, known as Yellow Danbokkolo, who, for years has devastated residents of Eastern Sokoto, suffered serious gunshot wounds.

“He subsequently died on Monday from the injuries sustained during the fierce battle with our troops.

“It is believed that Yellow Danbokkolo was much more dreaded than Bello Turji. He was the mastermind of the December 2021 arson on travellers in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara, during which all the passengers were burnt to death,” he said.

Kangye said the neutralised kingpin lived on endless bouts of pentazocine to sustain his cruelty and heinous activities.

He said the troops with the renewed resolve, were on the hunt for Bello Turji, who had been in hiding.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to restoring normalcy in all parts of the country and, therefore, call for the cooperation of all Nigerians in this drive,” he added.

“We Have Fixed Dates For Five Major Elections Against 2025” – INEC Chairman

Ayodele Oni

July 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has announced that the commission is working on supplementary provisions as it affects section 65 of the electoral act, 2022, which deals with election results.

Addressing concerns about the interpretation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 regarding the review of election results, Yakubu assured that the Commission is finalizing supplementary regulations to provide clarity.

Yakubu disclosed this on Tuesday during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He urged the RECs to intensify efforts in implementing electoral policies and preparing for upcoming elections, stressing that their responsibilities are full-time and not limited to general election periods.

He welcomed newly appointed National Commissioners, Prof Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, as well as six recently sworn-in RECs, four of whom were attending the meeting for the first time.

Highlighting the significance of their roles, the INEC Chairman reminded the RECs that elections and related activities take place year-round and that their effectiveness depends on their commitment and knowledge of the Commission’s policies.

“You do not need an elaborate conference or workshop to build the capacity of your staff.

“You must implement new policies and innovations introduced by the Commission to improve electoral service delivery.”

Yakubu also emphasized the need for RECs to focus on decongesting polling units, cleaning the voters’ register, strengthening stakeholder engagement at the state and local government levels, and improving logistics and election security management.

He announced that the Commission has fixed dates for five major electoral activities within the next year.

These include:Bye-elections in 12 states on August 16, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election on November 8, 2025, FCT Area Council Elections on February 21, 2026.

Others are Ekiti Governorship Election on June 20, 2026 and Osun Governorship Election on August 8, 2026

Yakubu disclosed that activities are already underway in preparation for these polls, including the commencement of political campaigns in Anambra and the publication of the Notice of Election for the Ekiti poll.

On voter registration, the Chairman revealed that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume on August 18, 2025, for online pre-registration and on August 25 for in-person registration.

However, in Anambra State, the CVR will begin next week across all 326 wards to ensure compliance with legal requirements ahead of the November governorship election.

“These will be published on our website and other platforms once approved.”

Ganduje: Dele Momodu Warns Akpabio To Beware, Says, Shettima’s Fate, “No Surprise”

The Source

July 1, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

Chief Dele Momodu, accomplished Journalist and Politician, Entrepreneur, has asked Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to beware of the “Ides of March”.

For Akpabio, Momodu’s advice is simple: Be careful so as not to lose your exalted office unceremoniously.

Momodu also had something to say on the alleged shaky fate of Vice President in the calculations of 2027. His opinion on that is that given the relationship between President Bola Tinubu and the office of the Deputy Governor while he, Tinubu, was Lagos State Governor, a lion does not change its spots.

Momodu’s advice to Akpabio comes on the heels of the fate that befell Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who a couple of days ago, resigned from his high profile office as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, allegedly on health grounds.

Ganduje, suddenly, resigned from the high office, without notice. He resigned with immediate effect.

His reason for his resignation has since been shot down by political watchers and analysts who insist “there is more to it than meets the eyes.”

For Momodu, it is a wake-up call for Akpabio. By his resignation, Momodu said Ganduje took bullets for President Tinubu.

In a post on his Facebook Page, Momodu called Ganduje a hero

who took bullets for Tinubu by resigning. His resignation, Momodu posited, is linked to the upcoming 2027 Presidential election and the maneuvers connected to it.

He stated that to Tinubu, as far as 2027 is concerned, nobody is indispensable. Everybody is dispensable.

Momodu: “I knew this day would soon come when katakata go burst for the ruling party APC… Many of our political pundits do not have a knowledge of contemporary history.

“How could anyone have thought Tinubu’s style would ever change after capturing Lagos State, unchallenged, for 26 years? The fate that has befallen Vice President Shettima today is nothing new. It befell several Deputy Governors in Lagos.

“Governor Ambode was the biggest casualty. Governor Sanwo-Olu merely escaped by the whiskers recently.

“But sooner rather than later, things we never anticipated will happen.

“On Abdullahi Ganduje, he’s a

tragic hero who took bullets for TINUBU. But like it happens to all lackeys, his usefulness has expired. My friend Akpabio should beware.

“This current power is absolutely for Tinubu, and no one should fool himself. No one is indispensable, and everyone else is expendable whenever it becomes necessary.

“The PRINCE does not entertain competition. This is the season of MACHIAVELLI. More victims will fall on the battlefield. No one is sacred.

“GANDUJE is already being blamed for the woes of APC. One analyst even said he should have brought EL RUFAI back after he was humiliated and rejected by the National Assembly. But GANDUJE knew the real power that betrayed NASIRU and dared not meddle in the matter.”

As Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu worked with three Deputy Governors. He has not fared too well with his successors either, all of whom he handpicked.

Unconfirmed reports said his immediate successor, Babatunde Fashola was almost stopped from a second term. Fashola’s successor, Akinwumi Ambode, was humiliated out after his first term. And his successor, who is tye incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has just barely survived after a public snub by the President.

Late Ondo Gov Akeredolu: Coroner Inquest Assault On Memory – Lawyer

Ayodele Oni

July 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A legal practitioner, Sola Ajisafe, has observed that decision to conduct coroner’s inquest into the death of late Ondo state Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is laced with sinister motives.

Ajisafe also believed that the decision may in the long run exacerbate tension in the ancient town of Owo.

Reacting to the announcement by the Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, the lawyer pointed out that “Without any contradiction I believe this is unnecessary and potentially divisive.

“It is laced with sinister motives and primed with proxy war. It is an assault on the memory of the late Governor despite it been couched in legal or statutory gymnastics.

“The Attorney General’s decision to pursue this course of action seems driven by a desire for vengeance, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. I urge you to reconsider this approach, considering the potential consequences for the community and your legacy.

“You should be aware that some of your current enablers were, at one point or another, supporters of the late Governor, who have now turned against his legacy, even in death.

“Regrettably, your current Attorney General was an outsider and not a fan of Aketi while he was alive or a member of our party. He was not part of the struggle we embarked upon. He felt no pain or anguish that you and many of us went through.

“If he decided for whatever reasons to burn down the house rather than repairing it, we, who were in the trenches with Aketi must be careful of our actions.

“Every man uses every opportunity to make a name for themselves for varied reasons. Your Attorney General is a man and not a spirit. This pattern of behavior should give you a pause and encourage you to reflect on the motivations behind your decisions.

“The Owo community is known for its complex dynamics, and any actions that might exacerbate tensions should be avoided. I implore you to prioritize caution and consider the long-term implications of your decisions.

“It is without saying that the Attorney General revealed his hand by citing the inglorious and despicable action of the wife of the late Governor on the demolition of the Cenotaph in Owo as the basis of his current actions without considering the bigger picture.

“I do not know why he cannot reason that his constant wars and rhetorics are unhealthy and unhelpful to your administration and his constant spats are inelegant behaviours in a culturally sensitive political environment like Ondo State.

“Mr Governor sir, as you navigate these challenges, I hope you’ll remember the importance of gratitude, empathy, and wisdom. Your legacy will be defined by the choices you make, and I pray that you’ll choose a path that promotes healing and unity.”

Why I Want To Be Nigeria’s One-term President – Peter Obi

Adesina Soyooye

July 1, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election has given reasons why he wants to be Nigeria’s President. He has also revealed why he wants to serve for only one term and return power to the North. He believes in zoning, he said, and since the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu is from the South, it is only fair that power goes back to the North by 2031.

Speaking during a live session on X (formerly Twitter), Obi said he would need no more than two years to solve Nigeria’s problems.

His focus if he does win are:

To stop insecurity and killings in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is like a country at war. We must act now.

To fix the economy.

“We need to bring our industries back to life.

To fight hunger and poverty. Many Nigerians are unable to afford basic food. He called for urgent action to reduce poverty.

To prioritise education and security. Security, education, and poverty reduction are his top priorities for his first 100 days in office.

To lead with integrity

“My family will not be involved in corruption. Fubds will be channelled into critical sectors and cut the cost of governance from day one.

To restore responsible leadership. He lamented:

“While people are dying, leaders are commissioning bus stops and taking holidays.”

To bring stability within two years. If elected, he said, his goal is to stabilise the country within the first half of his four-year term.

To promote honest governance. “Leaders must stay in the country and fix it”

To end political defection

Obi promised to stop elected officials from switching parties. “There will be no defection under my leadership.”

It is not known yet under which platform Obi would contest in 2027.

UBA Customer Petitions CBN Over N1.2m Fraud; What Alawuba Said

The Source

July 1, 2025

Oliver Alawuba, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the United Bank for Africa, UBA has made a strong case for commercial banks in the country to strengthen their internal mechanism against fraud. Failure to do this, the UBA CEO said must attract ‘harsher’ penalties from the regulators like the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and others.

Alawuba made the remark at the Annual General Meeting and Fraud Conference of the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria, ACAEBIN.

The key regulators over-sighting Nigeria’s commercial banks are the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, the Securities and Exchange Commission, amongst others. They have the powers to sanction banks accused of infractions against customers, particularity when it comes to the issue of fraud.

The UBA chief executive spoke amidst regular complaints, by customers, that monies are missing from their accounts without knowledge.

According to UBA’s 2024 Audited Financial Statement the commercial bank lost a total of N1.14 billion to fraud, the amount is more than the Profit After Tax, PAT recorded by one commercial bank in the country in the 2023 Financial year, highlighting UBA’s vulnerability to large scale fraud, experts insist.

Teach Cabal in a report said for more than 12 years the Alawuba-led commercial bank had refused to capture the amount it lost to fraud in its Financial statement, for reasons best known to its management.

The bank however insist that it has a water-tight system against fraud, saying employees who commit fraud are small boys who are not involved in the day-to-day management of the bank.

“There is no fraud involving management or other employees who could have any significant role in the bank’s internal control,” the bank said in the financial statement.

But one of its customers who lost money to wire fraud has a reason to disagree.

“What customers are facing today, from their banks, regarding fraud is unprecedented, the regulators must do more to rein in some of these banks, by bringing down the hammer,” a forensic expert said on Monday.

He’s right.

For weeks, a UBA customer, Dannytech Solutions Services Ltd

@melvin7505 has been trying to get back, over N1. 2 million debited from his account without his authorization. The customer said he has become really frustrated because UBA shunned him, and refused to solve his problem.

According to him, the only way to get his hard earned money back from the bank, is for the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to intervene.

His petition is contained in a message he shared on the bank’s X handle, which he said has been copied to the CBN.

In the heart rendering message to the Bank, the customer said he has ‘reported’ the issue to the apex bank for intervention, pleading that the ‘money’ stolen from his account be immediately ‘reversed’.

His problem with the bank started in February this year, when he was wrongly debited, and since then the bank has been dilly-dallying on the issue, he was initially assured that the problem will be resolved within a few days of the theft, but ‘up till now” UBA has ignored the alleged “fraud” committed against him.

“I did a transaction of 1.2 million since last week 27th February uba debited me asking me to wait till 4th of March up till now I have not seen my money… please uba please reverse my money for God’s sake I have reported you people to cbn Nigeria gov.. reverse my money. UBA Customer Petitions CBN Over N1.2m Fraud.”

‘The question is whether the UBA’s intention is to frustrate the customer because their action has not proven otherwise. Was the money debited thinking that the customer ignores. Because this is what banks do to many rich guys, many who have no idea of what they actually have in their account. May be the reason the case of this customer became an issue is because he’s not among those big guys who don’t have an idea of what their balance looks like because they have so much more,” a financial expert said.

“This does not portend well for a bank whose chief executive has preached against fraud, and the need to protect the customer. Nigerians, and indeed the banking public are watching how Alawuba and his management will resolve this controversy, by ensuring that the customer got his money back,’ the source stated.

Adding “failure to resolve the issue immediately in favour of the customer and other fraud cases against the bank’s customers where the bank has yet to act, the CBN must immediately intervene,” he said.

Alawuba makes the case for banks to strengthen internal control measures against fraud, failure to do that, he explained, must attract severe penalties.

“Internal audit functions must be truly independent. Whistleblowers’ protection, surprise checks, and continuous monitoring.

“Regulatory enforcement and accountability. Fraud must carry severe consequences. Regulators must impose harsher penalties on financial institutions that fail to enforce internal fraud controls,” he said.

Ondo To Conduct Coroner Inquest Into Late Gov. Akeredolu’s Death

Ayodele Oni

July 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN has confirmed receipt of petitions demanding a formal coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Akeredolu, at the third year of his second term in office, died on December 27, 2023, at 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

Ajulo, in a statement, declared that the public has every right under the Coroners Law of Ondo State to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions linger.

Although, identities of those seeking inquest are yet to be made public, Ajulo maintained that “it is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.

“The Attorney- General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public,” he stated.

According to Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has received multiple petitions, including from professional bodies and residents of the late governor’s hometown, urging his office to investigate what they described as troubling inconsistencies surrounding Akeredolu’s death.

“We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state.

“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”

He noted that while emotions are running high, no individual will be presumed guilty, and neither will the process be derailed by sentiment or political interference.

“If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful.”

Ajulo clarified that decisions such as inspecting the governor’s remains or summoning individuals fall squarely under the discretion of the Coroner Judge.

“The law will be allowed to take its course,” he emphasized.

Calling for calm and restraint, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with a “deep sense of responsibility” to the legacy of the late governor and the peace of the state.

“We must approach this issue with civility, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the late Governor and the peace of the state.”

Reaffirming the stance of the state’s leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo wrote, “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.

“Where the law provides a remedy, the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa will not be found wanting.”

The latest development is one of the fallouts of actions and remarks which trailed the demolition of the Memorial Park built in remembrance of victims of terrorists attacks in Owo.

Families, and aides of the late Governor, including his widow, Betty- Anyanwu Akeredolu, who in her vituperations took swipe at the state government and Owo monarch, who she described as “baby Oba” had spontaneously reacted to the demolition.

It is not immediately known that the family of the late Governor is part of the inquest into his death or whether the state law allows for the consent of the family.

2027: APC Youth Leader Promises Tinubu 10m Votes

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 1, 2025

The National Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Dayo Israel has vowed to ensure that youths in the country delivered 10 million votes to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The APC Youth Leader made this known in a statement he made available to journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Monday, saying his team has devised a strategy to achieve the aim.

To this end, Israel disclosed that a Progressive Youth Resource Centre has been built in Abuja to serve as the strategic operational base to mobilize youths in the country for President Tinubu’s re-election.

He stressed that he recently led a team to countries such as India, Ghana, China, Morocco, and the United Kingdom “to understudy youth wings of ruling parties and leading political movements” and their contribution to national development.

He explained that the APC youth leadership structure with over 200,000 leaders at both national and ward units will be mobilised to galvanize support for the president and his policies ahead the election, adding that the youth will go all out to support Tinubu as they did during the 2023 election.

Israel cited laudable programme for the youths under President Tinubu to include the Student Loan policy to the PCNGI initiative, which he said have benefitted the youth, and that for their sustenance President Tinubu must be elected.

Part of the statement: “I want to build a Youth Wing that is capable of responding to the challenges our generation faces. A Youth wing that gives a voice to the emerging generation; a generation that will drive transformative change across our country.

‘The facility would more importantly house the party’s official youth mobilisation effort towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

‘This vision was further enriched by insights I gathered from my visits to India, Ghana, China, Morocco, and the United Kingdom; many of them self-funded, where I led my team and some of my zonal and state youth leaders to understudy youth wings of ruling parties and leading political movements.

‘These global best practices helped shape my approach to youth engagement and political empowerment. Thanks to the moral support from the NWC and the collective commitment of our youth leadership, especially my deputy and zonal youth leaders, we are proud to deliver a platform that truly empowers the next generation of progressives.

‘The Center is a visionary initiative aimed at strengthening party structures through youth-centered innovation, engagement, and leadership development. It is where we would implement our five-year strategic plan for the youth wing.

‘We aim to leverage on the strength of our 200,000+ strong, elected youth leadership structure from the national level to the ward/polling units to galvanize support for our party, our president, and his policies.

“Our primary objective is clear: to win the hearts and minds of Nigerian youth by reshaping their perspectives about the APC, expanding our youth base, and aligning our dynamic strategy with the Renewed Hope Agenda set forth by President Bola Tinubu.”

Tinubu only polled 8,794,726 votes in the 2023 presidential election to defeat his closest rival Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president of the country.

Again, Dangote Slashes Petrol Price To N840 Per Litre

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 1, 2025

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced reduction in its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, from N880 to N840 per litre.

Anthony Chiejina, the spokesman for Dangote Group made this known on Monday in Lagos.

Chiejina said, “PMS price has been reduced from N880 to N840 per litre effective 30th June.”

Dangote and other petroleum marketers had two weeks ago raised petrol price to over N900 per litre citing the war between Israel and Iran which lasted for barely 12 days. They claimed that the war had effect on the global crude oil prices.

The 12-day war which saw both sides attacking infrastructure in the two countries, saw crude oil price rose to nearly $80 per barrel, amidst experts fear that it could rise to over $100 per barrel.

This however did not happen following a United States, US brokered cease fire by the two countries which brought the war to an end.

Some marketers who receive products from Dangote Refinery informed the magazine on Monday that they have already adjusted their pump price in line with the new reality.

1...516517518...2,934 Page 517 of 2,934